BLM relaxes some restrictions at local recreation areas

MILES CITY, Mont. --- The BLM Miles City Field Office will rescind portions of previous Fire Closure Orders that closed two areas to public access due to extreme fire conditions. The changes are effective August 3.

The Strawberry Hill Recreation Area located east of Miles City and accessed by Hwy 12 will be opened to (walk-in or horseback) access only. Dean S. Reservoir, located near the Pine Hills Estates will be opened to motorized wheeled vehicles. Vehicles are limited to the established roads and camp fires are prohibited.

All other stipulations applicable to local Stage 1 and 2 fire restrictions remain in effect

The Closure Orders were intended to protect property and resources from human caused fire starts and the public is reminded to be cautious as fire conditions are still extreme across the state. As of today, multiple wildfires continue to burn across southeast Montana.

“We appreciate the cooperation and understanding of the public as we try to balance providing recreational opportunities in a way that reduces the potential for wildland fire,” said Acting BLM Field Manager Todd Yeager. “We hope this cooperation continues and folks remember absolutely no campfires are allowed there, as these two areas are adjacent to private property and family homes.”

Under Stage 1 restrictions, campfires are prohibited and smoking is allowed only within an enclosed vehicle or building, a developed recreation site, or while stopped in an area at least three feet in diameter that is barren or cleared of all flammable materials.

Camp stoves fueled solely by liquid petroleum or LPG fuels that can be turned on and off are exempted from the restriction under Stage 1. Such devices can only be used in an area that is barren or cleared of all overhead and surrounding flammable materials within three feet.

Stage 2 restrictions include everything under Stage 1 as well as the stipulation that operating any internal combustion engine, welding, operating a torch with open flame and using explosives are prohibited from 1: p.m. to 1:00 a.m. A two-hour patrol following cessation of work is required.

Bear in mind that additional county-wide restrictions may be in place in addition to those by the BLM and the U.S. Forest Service. Contact your local fire department or sheriff’s office for clarification.

To report wildfires contact your local fire department, sheriff’s office or the BLM Miles City Interagency Fire Dispatch Center at 406.233.2900.

The BLM manages more than 245 million acres of public land, the most of any Federal agency. This land, known as the National System of Public Lands, is primarily located in 12 Western states, including Alaska. The BLM also administers 700 million acres of sub-surface mineral estate throughout the nation. The BLM's mission is to manage and conserve the public lands for the use and enjoyment of present and future generations under our mandate of multiple-use and sustained yield. In Fiscal Year 2013, the BLM generated $4.7 billion in receipts from public lands.